ELECTION FEES.

Dunstan Times, Issue 468, 7 April 1871, Page 2

ELECTION FEES.

[We do not id'ntify ourselves with the opinions that may be expressed by our correspondents.]

(TO THE EDITOU OF THE DUNRTAX TIMES.) Sir,—Allow nie, %pugh theWumns of your valuable pajW tsCcall attention to the miserable remunenwionproposed to be given to Deputy Returning Officers and Poll Clerks, acting during the late election. Although it certainly behoves the Government to study economy in every department, it ill becomes those having the necessary authority so to pay those who have acted in the above capacity, that they should become positive losers by transacting public business. Owing to the necessity of those engaged having to conform with the Act, which necessitates their being sworn in before a |Justice of the Peace, appointments have been made at a distance from the part of the district where the Polling Booths have been situate, consequently iu many instances the time re*

quirod for the performance of the necessary duties ingoing, returning and taking the Foil has amounted to some three days, aud'yct an intimation has been given that a feo of twenty one shillings will bo given to Deputy Returning Officers, and ten shillings and six-pence to the Foil Clerks, with the necessary travelling expenses. Now, Sir, I will simply ask if this is not a ridiculous sura to offer men who have been selected for their integrity and ability to perform tne duty. It is certain that had it been known that the Government intended to be so parsimonious, no responsible per-ons could have been found to discharge the necessary duties. *

Trusting you will consider this worthy of insertion,

I remain, &c., Aone OF THE DEPUTIES. f A JI EXAN DR A.

(from our correspondent ) Since my last nothing has disturbed the even tenor of our way in Alexandra. Dullness reigns supreme, and under its despotic rule we calmly vegetate, waiting like Mr. Micawber for something to turn up. Something I suppose will turn up some of these days, but how, where, and when, are problems which baffle the most prophets, and almost compel them to leave the business in disgust. Nevertheless the residents hope on and feel confident v that one day Alexandra will occupy the position it is entitled to as the centre of a largo and important mining district. I notice that a journal whose circulation np-country is as limited ns the ideas of its conductor, contained an erticle purporting to be written by a Vagabond Reporter. The writer of this article evinced such a •contempt for geography, that I felt almost inclined to let his hime lucubration pass nmwiiggdy-'btst as be made remarks pn this town, which were utterly unfounded and unjustifiable, I feeHgonstrained, that an erroneoushftfpression may not be disin the country, to contraflic/l,;s statements in tofo. I hope tfrls despicable scribbler will cultivate closer acquaintance with the truth than he appears to have done hitherto. \ Mr Hanghton, the Water Commissioner, is expected here on Saturday, and I hear that a public meeting will be convened for the purpose of conferring with him, and assisting him generally in carrying out the object of his mission. There is not the slightest doubt that, were a large supply of water to be obtained at a cheap rate in thfe disDict, it would be taken up and profitably used. Many schemes batQi been canvassed, but nothing particularly feasible has yet been devised. I sincerely hope that A Mr. Haugbton’s labors may be of 7 some service to the Province, and \ that the evidence taken by luVn will lead to something hging done tffWitisfy the large and increasing demand for water. I hear that the company formed for the j impose of bringing water from the Gorge Creek are surveying the proposed line of the race. This is the ■only mining item I can give you. A case of some interest was beard -in the Resident Magistrate’s Court here on Monday, namely’, “ Nieper v Parkera claim for 501. damages sustained by plaintiff through defendant shooting his horse. Mr. Wilson appeared for plaintiff and Mr. Brough for defendant. The weight of evidence was in plaintiff's favor, though defendant and another witness swore that he had not had a gun in his possession for twelve months, nnd judgment was given for 10/. sfnd costs.